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Target pests

NB: The product label lists the plants on which the pesticide may be used, along with the target organisms.

How it works

Mineral oil may act on pests in a variety of ways:

by blocking their respiratory systems

by destroying the waxy coating on their bodies

by interfering with their feeding

by discouraging them from laying eggs (repellent effect)

It can also smother eggs laid on plants.

Application

The product must be mixed with water and sprayed on. Because the mixture tends to separate, it should be shaken well before and during treatment.

Thoroughly spray all parts of plants to be treated, without run-off.

The product may be used during dormancy (in spring, before buds open) or in a lower concentration during the growing season.

During dormancy, the oil may be combined with calcium sulphide or calcium polysulphide (lime sulphur), following the directions on the label. During the growing season, allow at least 30 days between an application of mineral oil and treatment with lime sulphur or sulphur.

Ideally, the product should be sprayed on in the morning, to allow time for it to dry. It should not be applied:

if there is a risk of frost or rain within 24 hours

during very humid weather

to plants suffering from drought

during very hot weather (above 27°C)

Precautions

The pesticide may irritate the respiratory tract, skin and eyes, so it is best to wear a mask, gloves, long sleeves and pants and goggles when applying it.

It may be toxic to some plants (phytotoxic), including:

beech trees (Fagus spp.)

Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)

hickories (Carya spp.)

hollies (Ilex spp.)

some apple cultivars (Malus spp.)

sugar and Japanese maples (Acer saccharum and Acer palmatum)

walnut trees (Juglans spp.)

Signs of phytotoxicity may include yellow leaves, darker spots where the oil remained for a longer time and early dropping of leaves. If in doubt, it is best to spray a small area of the plant and wait 24 to 48 hours to see how it reacts.

The needles of conifers with bluish foliage may turn green after treatment. New shoots will be a normal colour, however.

Do not use near any body of water or wetland, or dump any pesticide or rinse your equipment there, as this will contaminate the water. Never dump pesticides down sewers.